By Alec Hogg
Enjoyed a reunion in the CNBC Africa Power Lunch studio yesterday with former Springbok rugby captain Bob Skinstad. He’s now helping Japan’s Sharp Electronics regain lost market share in SA. Bob is something of an exception – an elite sportsman who leveraged his brand and discipline into a successful business career. Why more sports stars don’t kick on after retirement used to be a mystery to me.
I remember discussing this with one of my closest friends, the late Robbie Armitage, an elite sportsman (cricket) who had built a large and successful marketing business. He put it down to arrogance. Some top athletes, Robbie said, used excessive self-belief like a drug to keep performing on the sports field. But it’s a characteristic that does not translate well to the business world where a natural ability to relate with others counts more than individual brilliance.
Robbie was one of the easiest people on earth to get along with. Ditto another elite sportsman pal, my long-time former colleague and now successful entrepreneur Clive Eksteen. The affable Bob Skinstad provides additional evidence that Mr Armitage’s theory continues to holds true. It’s something coaches should teach more often.
Yesterday’s top stories:
Where have all of SA’s boffins gone? Why our education system is failing the smartest kids
Land of opportunity beyond Rooibosch Curtain: More brilliance from Bruggemans
South African economy: Half-time pep talk for Team SA – entrepreneur
Seven deadly investment risks. Quick wealth-building tips
Afriforum say pamphlets at North West University “incite violence against Afrikaans people”
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